During this session we wanted to explore the distinctive role religions have played, or might play, in efforts to overcome racism in the United States.

Though different communities understand and practice religion in different ways, religion can, at its best, be a unifying force in society. After all, the Latin roots of the word religion mean binding people together in unity. Furthermore, by bringing into focus the spiritual dimensions of human existence, religion can orient us toward transcendent truths, encourage us to overcome our basest impulses and develop our latent potentialities, motivate us to apply moral principles to the betterment of humanity, and sustain us through the difficulties we encounter on this path. For many believers, these are among the praiseworthy characteristics of true religion.

And yet, throughout history, ambitious leaders have often invoked religion to foment division and conflict. Religious dogma has been set up against scientific knowledge. Religious scriptures have been interpreted to justify slavery, segregation, patriarchy, caste, and other forms of oppression. And religious institutions or leaders have at times been corrupted in various ways.